From Florence to Indonesia: Bru’s Journey of Adventure and Self-Discovery

Meet Bru, a passionate traveler and adventurer who courageously left the comfort of her native Florence to embrace the unknown in Indonesia.

With a deep love for her Italian roots and an insatiable curiosity for the exotic, Bru has spent nearly a decade exploring and immersing herself in the rich cultural tapestry of Asia.

Born in the beautiful city of Florence, a place she cherishes despite having lived abroad for many years, Bru has always been driven by her remarkable experiences, especially in terms of travel and discovering new destinations.

Her journey is not just about changing locations but about a profound personal transformation. Bru’s decision to leave behind a stable and secure life in Italy—a place filled with friends, family, and comfort—was driven by her unquenchable thirst for adventure and a desire to challenge herself.

The allure of Indonesia, with its captivating contradictions and stunning landscapes, drew her in, and she found herself enchanted by the country’s unique charm.

In this fascinating interview, Bru shares the motivations behind her bold move, the transformative experiences she’s encountered, and the profound differences between her life in Italy and Indonesia.

She opens up about the significant changes that this decision brought into her life, how it shaped her worldview, and the new perspectives she gained from living in such a diverse and vibrant environment.

Join us as we delve into the story of a woman who truly embodies the essence of living life to the fullest, embracing the unknown, and finding beauty in the journey itself.

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Bru’s Interview

Tell us a bit about yourself: where were you born, how old are you, and where do you currently live?

Hello everyone, the online world knows me as Bru, but my real name is Cinzia. I was born in Florence, a city I deeply love, although I haven’t lived there for many years.

I’m not very young; in fact, I belong to the boomer generation, a generation that has lived remarkably well, especially in terms of traveling and discovering new destinations. I’ve been living in Indonesia for almost nine years now.

What motivated you to make this significant life change? Why did you choose Indonesia?

I’ve often been asked this question. I left a stable, secure, and beautiful life in Italy—my home, friends, family—all primarily to truly live my desire for adventure, to challenge myself, to travel, and to indulge the exotic cravings I’ve had since I was a child.

It was a crazy impulse to leave everything behind without knowing what I would find on the other side of the world. Even today, I don’t know why I chose Indonesia specifically, perhaps because of its people, the many contradictions that characterize it, or the beauty of the country.

Certainly, Asia, and Indonesia in particular, know how to capture the hearts of travelers, or at least they managed to capture mine.

Were there significant changes in your life after this decision?

My life changed completely after this decision. There’s nothing left of my old life. After almost nine years in Asia, I can’t say if I’m better or worse, but I’m certainly different in the way I think and understand, and also in how I relate to others.

I’ve managed to break down almost all the barriers and old prejudices to try to see the world in a 360-degree view.

What differences do you find between living in Italy and Indonesia?

Two completely different countries—language, religion, climate—nothing in Indonesia is like in Italy. It’s impossible to find things that unite them, and obviously, the lifestyle is different too.

How often do you return home, and how do you feel each time?

I usually go home every six months. The journey is very long, and flight prices are currently very high; otherwise, I’d be happy to return three times a year. I’m Italian, and I’m proud of it. I don’t disdain my culture and my beautiful language.

I hold on tightly to my Italian identity. Every time I return to Italy, I do so as if I were a tourist, always trying to see the pleasant sides of my country, the best and most varied food in the world, the endless joy of reuniting with old friends, or spending a Sunday with family, visiting a village, a church, or a museum.

What do you miss most about Italy?

What I miss most about Italy are the affections, all my friends and family. I already know that when I eventually leave Indonesia, I’ll miss the dear people I’ve met over these years. I’m convinced that it’s not a place that makes you feel at home but the people you surround yourself with.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a courageous choice like yours?

Things have changed a lot over the years. Today, more than courage, you need knowledge and a real plan for a new life. Many people, perhaps too many, leave everything behind thinking they’ll find paradise outside their own country.

The grass always seems greener on the other side, but when you’re in that garden, you realize it’s exactly the same as yours. Every place in the world, even the most beautiful, has its negative sides, and living as an expat is not exactly easy.

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What are your future plans?

I don’t know yet what my future will be. Whether I’ll still be here in a year or ten years, or who knows where, I don’t worry about it and have no future plans except to live as well as I can and travel, travel, travel…

Thank You, Bru

As we conclude this enlightening conversation, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Bru for sharing her inspiring journey and invaluable insights with us.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities that await those who dare to step out of their comfort zones and seek adventure.

Bru’s experiences in Indonesia have not only broadened her horizons but have also enriched her understanding of the world, showing us that true growth often comes from embracing change and the unknown.

For those captivated by Bru’s journey and eager to follow her adventures, we invite you to connect with her through her social media channels. Stay updated on her latest explorations, insights, and beautiful captures from around the world by following her on:

Thank you once again to Bru for her time and for sharing her incredible story. We hope her journey inspires you to explore, dream, and discover new horizons.

Stay tuned for more stories from remarkable individuals like Bru, who continue to inspire us with their courage, curiosity, and zest for life.